The traditional buffalo races
The traditional buffalo races, the Mekepung, take place every year between September and October in Negara on the west coast and in August in Lovina in northern Bali. The team consists of two white buffaloes, with their heads and horns swaddled. These two animals look great and the race, two kilometers long, provokes the delirious enthusiasm of the spectators. The teams are chosen according to their location in relation to the Ijo Gading River. Before the race itself, the kerbau (buffalo) parade in front of the crowd like majorettes. The carriage is made of wood and is driven by a driver. The winners score points for their team, but the style of the driver and the team is also noted. Speculation is rife, even though betting was banned in Bali in 1981.
A mythical surfing destination
Bali is the Mecca of surfing in Asia: from the beginners' spots on the famous Kuta beach to the breaks reserved for the most expert riders under the cliffs of Uluwatu, the Balinese waves attract surfers from all over the world in every dry season (from April to October, when the wind blows), who come to mingle with the locals. There is usually a big international surfing competition once a year. Little by little, Bali has gained worldwide notoriety and offers simply one of the most beautiful spots in Southeast Asia. Note that all surf stores or specialized agencies are concentrated in the south of the island, in Kuta and Legian.
Beautiful diving spots
Despite the immense damage to the coral reefs around the coast, Bali still has beautiful diving and snorkeling sites. The panorama is a thousand times more beautiful than in a tropical aquarium. In the turquoise water, you swim with fish of all shapes and colors above the amazing corals.
The most famous dive sites are located on the east coast, between Sanur and the northeast side of Tulamben and Amed. The islands of Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan have rich funds in fauna and flora. In the extreme west, the islet of Menjangan, uninhabited and protected, seems to be one of the most beautiful diving sites, while the 7,000 hectares of coral of Bali Barat National Park, not far from Gilimanuk and Menjangan, have some nice surprises.
You will need to contact the local diving organizations and do not forget your diving certificates. Do it as soon as you arrive (or even before) or book and specify what you can do and your technical level. This will allow the organizers to create homogeneous groups. The main certifications like PADI, SSI or CMAS are recognized. You will find all the equipment you need on site, but sometimes in poor condition. You will need to rent thick wetsuits because of the water temperature below 20 meters.
Many of the dive centers in Bali welcome certified divers, but few will offer you the technical possibility to get certified. Several centers offer introductory courses that include theory and practical lessons in shallow water. Prices for introductory courses are mostly inexpensive and should not exceed US$ 50 for one dive.On land, great possibilities
Hiking. The islands of Bali and Lombok offer great hiking opportunities to visitors. The ascent of the Batur volcano (1 717 m) is, for many, one of the "summits" of a stay in Bali. It can either be done with an agency from Ubud or the north of the island of Bali, or directly contract a local guide in the lake area. For hikers, there is also the Batukaru volcano, the second highest peak in Bali (2,276 m), volcanic lakes of Tamblingan and Buyan, the ascent of Mount Gunung Agung, the roof of Bali (3,142 m), the rice fields of Sidemen or the ascent of Mount Rinjani in Lombok (a demanding trek of three days in general, but complicated to organize since the earthquake of 2018; inquire)
Downhill or mountain bike ride. Mountain biking sessions are mostly done from Ubud, but it's possible from all over the island. You're driven up in a car and biked back down, visiting the villages or doing the whole ride on your mount. Count between 40 and 80 $US (bike, equipment and lunch included).
Rafting and kayaking. For thrill seekers, we will take you to the center of the island, in the mountainous areas of course. The best spots are near the Ayung river (sungai), near Ubud, and in the east on the Telagawaja Sungai, near Muncan. On the southwest coast, we can mention Medewi and Balian. As far as organization is concerned, you are usually picked up at your hotel and brought back. And the excursions include lunch. To have enough water, the best time for rafting is the wet season, from November to March-April
Golf. There are four internationally renowned golf courses on the island: the Bali National Golf Club by the sea in Nusa Dua; the Bali Handara Kosaido Country Club, on the edge of a lake and perched more than 1,000 meters above sea level in Bedugul; the Bali Beach Golf Course, a small nine-hole course in the resort town of Sanur; and, finally, the New Kuta Golf Course, overlooking the cliffs of Bukit.
Spas, yoga and massages
There are spas everywhere to pamper yourself and try all kinds of therapies. In high-end hotels, but not only. You can also learn or improve your yoga, once again in hotels, spas or specialized centers. Ubud is the Mecca of yoga in Bali. As for massages, they will be offered everywhere: in salons, spas of hotels (luxury, but not only), on the beach ... Everywhere. Be aware that, very often, you pay mostly for the setting: a massage in the local palace will not necessarily be better than the one of the old woman on the beach. In short, don't hesitate to be pampered!
